Timesuck with Dan Cummins 483 - Addiction: Most Misunderstood Condition Ever?
Dec 1, 2025
Delve into the fascinating history of addiction and how various cultures have grappled with it over time. Discover the surprising ways addiction extends beyond substances, affecting behaviors like shopping and phone use. Explore ancient practices involving psychoactive substances and learn how societal fears shaped the narratives around addiction. Hear about the evolution of treatment and the emergence of Alcoholics Anonymous. This enlightening discussion urges compassion and understanding for those struggling with dependency.
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Addiction Is Complex, Not Just A Moral Failing
- Addiction is not merely moral failure but a complex disease shaped by biology and environment.
- Dan Cummins stresses that millions suffer and simple blame fails to explain widespread addiction.
Host's Sugar Addiction Example
- Dan describes his personal struggle with sugar cravings and compares it to other addictive behaviors.
- He uses his sugar addiction to illustrate that everyday habits can have addiction-like intensity.
Addiction Between Choice And Compulsion
- Ancient sources show addiction sits between choice and compulsion, captured by the Greek idea akrasia.
- Dan links historical notions (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) to modern behavioural concepts like delayed discounting.